Last update 5/2/2024
The Epiphone Casino Coupe is a thin line double-cutaway smaller version (10% Smaller) of the famous and much-loved Casino. The sounds from the ’60s and the British invasion have popularized the Casino to a legendary status.
Epiphone Casino Coupe Review
This review of the Epiphone Casino Coupe needs to be considered along with our review of the Epiphone Casino. In short, the main differences are that the Coupe is smaller and has better access up the neck. It’s not a case of one being better than the other; however, they are both excellent guitars.
Design and aesthetics
Regarding design and aesthetics, the Casino Coupe is an absolute beauty, just like its big brother. It features a timeless look that pays homage to the original Casino model. The compact body shape, finished in a beautiful vintage sunburst or cherry red, gives it a unique and eye-catching appeal.
Playability
Another critical point is that the Epiphone Casino Coupe is more comfortable to play because of the Coupes’ smaller body, which is compact and light. Importantly, it may be a better choice for players who struggle to play the Casino because of its larger size.
The neck
The Coups’ neck is slimmer than the Casino’s and very comfortable to play. Furthermore, the Epiphone Casino Coupe neck is joined to the body at the 19th fret, unlike the Epiphone Casino’s neck, which joins the body at the 16th fret. The Coup has unrestricted access to the upper areas of the neck.
Pickups
The Coupe’s pickups are like sonic magic wands that “weave enchanting melodies.” With two P-90 single coils, this guitar delivers a range of tones from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. The clean tones are pristine, and when you push it into overdrive, the pickups truly shine with rich harmonics that make your solos soar.
Furthermore, the Coupe’s P-90s provide a balance of warmth, clarity, and bite that can’t be replicated by other pickup types.
Tone
Another critical point is that this instrument sounds great when plugged into an amp. The Coupe has plenty of assertive bite, resonance, and sustain; however, it can also be played acoustically, albeit somewhat muted, when plugged in. All things considered, the Coupes P-90 pickups deliver plenty of punch and that snarl that they are famous for.
Feedback
Furthermore, hollow-body guitars tend to give feedback also. However, although this may be true, the smaller body tends to less feedback than the larger-bodied Casino. Somebody recommended the Epiphone Casino to Paul McCartney when he was still with the Beatles because he wanted a guitar that would feedback! He purchased an Epiphone Casino, and the rest is history.
Tuners
Tuning up becomes a breeze on the Casino Coupe. The tuners hold their ground exceptionally well. These tuners have your back even when playing bluesy bends or strumming your heart out.
Controls
The controls of the Coupe are simple and intuitive. With separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, you can easily shape your sound to suit your playing style. If you’re going for a bright, cutting tone or a warmer, more mellow sound, the Casino Coupe has you covered.
The Strings (Gauge)
Strung with a well-balanced set of strings, the Casino Coupe boasts a comfortable feel across the fretboard.
The Finish
Dressed to impress, the Casino Coupe flaunts a classic and elegant finish. The subtle gloss enhances the natural beauty of the wood, while the attention to detail in the craftsmanship is evident in every curve and contour. This guitar doesn’t just sound good; it looks stunning.
| Specifications | |
| Body | |
| Body Shape | ES-339 |
| Body Material | Layered Maple |
| Top | Layered Maple |
| Side | Layered Maple |
| Bracing | Basswood |
| Neck | |
| Material | EPIY6V313 |
| Profile | SlimTaper™ D |
| Scale length | 628.65 mm / 24.75 in |
| Fingerboard Material | Pau Ferro |
| Fingerboard Radius | 304.88 mm / 12.00 in |
| Fret Count | 22 |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Nut width | 43 mm / 1.69 in |
| Inlays | Pearloid “Parallelogram” inlays |
| Joint | Glued in; Set Neck |
| Hardware | |
| Finish | Nickel |
| Bridge | Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic |
| Tailpiece | Traditional Trapeze; Reduced Size |
| Tuning Machines | Vintage-style Gold metal inserts with pointers |
| Pickguard | 2-ply; White/Black with metal “E” |
| Truss Rod | Adjustable |
| Truss Rod Cover | “Bell Shaped”; 2-layer (Black/White); 60s era E |
| Control Knobs | Vintage-style Gold metal inserts with pointers |
| Switch Tip | White |
| Strap Buttons | 2 – bottom and back of the heel |
| Electronics | |
| Neck Pickup | Epiphone P-90T Classic™ Dogear |
| Bridge Pickup | Epiphone P-90T Classic™ Dogear |
| Controls | 2-Volume, 2 Tone |
| Pickup Selector | 3-way Epiphone toggle |
| Case | Optional 339-Type Hard Case 940-E339; Casino Coupe/ES-339 EpiLite™ Case 940-E339HG |
Pros and Cons of the Epiphone Casino Coupe
Pros
Vintage vibes that deliver timeless tones.
The compact body size is comfortable and easy to handle.
Versatile P-90 pickups cover a wide tonal range.
Impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail.
It is ideal for players across genres, from rock to Jazz.
Cons
The hollow body might be susceptible to feedback at high volumes.
They have limited color options for those seeking a more personalized look.
Warranty
Epiphone stands behind its products with a solid warranty, protecting your Casino Coupe against manufacturing defects. Check the details to ensure you’re covered for worry-free playing. Check the Epiphone Warranty Terms.
Gig Bag or Hard Case
While the Casino Coupe doesn’t come with a hard case, investing in one could be wise to take this beauty on the road. A gig bag is sufficient for lighter travel and protection.
Recommended Accessories
Hard Case or Gig Bag (for protection on the go)
Strap Locks (to keep your guitar secure)
String Winder (for quick and easy string changes)
Vintage-Style Leather Strap (adds to the retro aesthetic)
Our recommended care program for the Casino Coupe
To keep your Casino Coupe in top shape
- Wipe it down after each play session to remove sweat and dirt.
- Be sure to change the strings with your favorite brand occasionally.
- Consider getting a setup by a professional to ensure its plays as intended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it was good enough for the Beatles, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison to have a Casino. Let’s say enough and leave it at that. However, the rave reviews this guitar receives bolsters its already stellar reputation earned by the many well-known artists that play the Epiphone Casino.
Also, as I have noted, this is a great guitar that is an excellent choice for anything that demands a bluesy-type snarl. The price is, all in all, very reasonable for a guitar that has all the capabilities of the Casino Couple. This guitar delivers in spades; it’s one of the best electric guitars on the market.
Transparency disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that I believe are helpful and valuable, and we never let the potential for a commission influence our recommendations.
Transparency disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that I believe are helpful and valuable, and we never let the potential for a commission influence our recommendations.
Sam Ash Music: Epiphone Coupe
References
1. Epiphone | Casino Coupe. Epiphone.com. https://www.epiphone.com/Guitar/EPIY6V313/Casino-Coupe/Vintage-Sunburst. Published 2015. Accessed July 22, 2020.
1. Wikipedia Contributors. Epiphone Casino. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphone_Casino. Published July 7, 2020. Accessed July 22, 2020.
